Abstract

This article begins by defining the problem of invasive alien species, then moves to a discussion of some of the conceptual implications of treating bioinvasion as a serious topic in both environmental and global ecopolitics, such as the encouragement of parochial thinking and the reliance on an outdated ecological paradigm that assumes the desirability of natural equilibrium. Both these problems are overcome by the human security imperative of protecting civilians from the most harmful effects of bioinvasion, but they should indeed temper the zeal with which prevention/eradication campaigns are adopted. The third section explicitly visits some of the more concrete governance problems raised at the international but, arguably, all levels of governance. These include the division of labour and authority, the question of blame and compensation, the need for sustained public attention on the issue and the integration of the natural and social/policy sciences, and the omnipresent uncertainties associated with climate change.

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